Ahead of today’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it’s time to predict what side Eddie Howe will go with as we take on Antonio Conte’s Spurs.
Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson have already been ruled out, Fabian Schar and Martin Dubravka have trained after returning early from international duty, Jonjo Shelvey has recovered from illness and Saint-Maximin is fully fit again after a few week’s training, while Bruno Guimaraes hasn’t long returned from his time away with Brazil.
Keeping all of the above in mind, along with form, fitness, and today’s opposition, here’s the 11 we can see starting come 4.30pm this afternoon:
(4-3-3): Dubravka – Manquillo, Schar, Burn, Targett – Willock, Shelvey, Joelinton – Fraser, Wood, Saint-Maximin.
OUT: Krafth, Guimaraes, Almiron. IN: Manquillo, Shelvey, Saint-Maximin.
Martin Dubravka – Seems to be fine after leaving the Slovakia camp early through illness last week and may need to be at his best to keep the likes of Kane and Son at bay!
Javier Manquillo – Unlike Krafth, who has been away with Sweden, he’s been training with the squad over the past few weeks, meaning he could have the edge here. His decent pace could also mean he’s better suited to come up against Son.
Fabian Schar – Appears to be OK, with Howe confirming he’s trained since returning from a spell with the Swiss national team. Lascelles is ready to step in if needed, though. In fact, I wouldn’t be overly surprised if we opted for a back three (as we did at Chelsea).
Dan Burn – Deservedly voted our player of the month for March, but will be looking to recover from curel mistakes that cost us in each of our last two games.
Matt Targett – Did very little wrong in defeats at Everton and Chelsea, defending well and delivering some brilliant balls into the box from open play and set pieces.
Joe Willock – With Bruno Guimaraes not long returning from a spell in South America with Brazil, I wouldn’t be surprised if Willock is handed another start here.
Jonjo Shelvey – Fit again after missing our last few games through illness, so should return to our XI after being declared ready to return by Howe.
Joelinton – One of the first names on the team sheet these days and will have benefited from the rest over the past few weeks after managing an ongoing groin issue.
Ryan Fraser – His energy will be needed against Reguilon and Son, with both likely to bomb on down Spurs’ left. His ability to put good balls into the box for Wood will also be a weapon.
Allan Saint-Maximin – Howe may feel like this isn’t the game to start ASM given how Tottenham’s marauding full-backs get forward, however he is our biggest threat and could expose the gaps they leave at the other end. Also, he’ll only get back to full match fitness with starts…
Chris Wood – Scored five goals over the break and became New Zealand’s all time top scorer in the process, giving him a confidence boost – even if he’ll have a clocked up a fair few air miles!
